Are you ready to slide?

Whilst sliding you will be feeling g forces of several times your body weight pushing down on your body, and speeds up to 100km/hr. Please ensure that you have met the safety requirements before putting your body under such g forces:

Are you between 16 and 75* years old?

Participants under 19 years old: Will you have a parent or guardian present to sign your waiver when arriving at the Sliding Centre? (government ID required at check in)

Do you weigh between 90lbs (41kg) and 220lbs (100kg) in full winter clothing? (You will be weighed at check in. Please note that if you are not eligible for skeleton, you may still be eligible for our bobsleigh session if you are under 285lbs (129kg) (fully clothed). We highly recommend ensuring you are within the weight restrictions before arriving at the centre to avoid disappointment)

Are you between 4'6" (137cm) and 6'6" (198cm) in height? Please note that if you are not eligible for skeleton, you may still be eligible for our bobsleigh session if you are under 6'10" (208cm) in height.

Do you have the physical strength to walk up a steep hill to the starting point and lift yourself over the 3ft high track wall at the finish?

Do you have the physical strength and dexterity to be able to strongly grip the sides of the skeleton sled?

If you have answered NO to any of the above, unfortunately you will be unable to participate in our public skeleton program, due to health and safety guidelines.

Do you suffer from any heart conditions?

Have you had any head, neck or back injuries?

Do you have osteoporosis?

Are you or could you be pregnant?

We do not recommend taking part in our public sliding program if you are pregnant or suffer from a heart condition. If you have any chronic, recent or servere back or neck injuries or have osteoporosis we do not recommend taking part in our public program due to the g-forces/pressure put on the body during sliding which may aggravate neck or back conditions or in the case of osteoporosis cause compression fractures.

Please note that the potential risks associated with this activity may include motion sickness, nose bleeds, bumps and bruises, ice rashes, neck and back injury and sprains/broken bones.

For your own safety you must also:

have a basic understanding of English & the cognitive ability to understand/follow instructions

not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol

not be taking any medication that could impair judgement or physical dexterity

So you have met the safety requirements and are ready to go, what should you expect?

You will need to check in at the Guest Services building 5 minutes prior to the start of your session (those who are not checked in at the session start time will not be permitted to slide). After signing a waiver, your 2 hour sliding session begins with a safety orientation. You will receive specific education about the sport of skeleton, its equipment and dynamics, and you will be introduced to the key instructional skills that will get you down the track safely. You will also be weighed and fitted with a helmet.

Once the orientation is complete, you will walk up with your group to the “Maple Leaf” public skeleton start, about 1/3 of the way up the 1.450m long track. From there, you will slide down twice on a skeleton sled, expecting to reach 90-100 km/h and up to 3 G-forces by the time you race through the famous Thunderbird Corner at the bottom of the track. The uphill outrun will slow you to a safe stop at the finish dock, where the track crew will assist with the sled and your safe exit.

After your runs you will return indoors to Guest Services with your guide and fellow sliders to revel in your experiences and wind down as your adrenaline rush gradually dissipates! You will also have the chance to view a sample of the professional photography taken during your rides. Lastly, a Guest Services team member will present you with your unique, official sliding certificate – your proof to the world that you had the thrill of a lifetime!

Cameras & Photography

Unfortunately, as a safety precaution, we cannot permit personal point of view cameras of any kind (GoPro, Hitcase etc.) whilst sliding.

Our professional photographers will take photographs of your sliding session which may be purchased at the end of the session. Participants are permitted to bring their own compact cameras at own risk, but have to keep them in a zipped up pocked while sliding. The Whistler Sliding Centre does not take responsibility for loss, theft or damage of personal belongings. Flash photography is not permitted.

Spectators

How do I get to the Whistler Sliding Centre?

Driving: From Highway 99/Sea-to-Sky Highway in Whistler Village, turn right onto Village Gate Blvd. Turn right at Blackcomb Way. Turn right at Glacier Drive. Go up the hill towards Blackcomb Base II (follow directions to Tube Park). Turn right at Glacier Lane (under the skier overpass bridge). Follow the signs to Parking lots 7 and 8 (for Blackcomb Mountain).After passing Lot 7 (on your left), take a right turn underneath the skier overpass bridge. Drive straight under the bridge and then turn right as the road forks to arrive at the Whistler Sliding Centre Guest Services building to check in. Visitor parking is located below the Guest Services building in the Visitor Parking Lot (free).

Free Parking: Visitor parking is located below the Guest Services building: Drive straight under the skier overpass bridge and then turn right as the road forks. Pass the Whistler Sliding Centre Guest Services building on your right, following the road down until you find the parking lot on your right.

Gondola Access: If the Excalibur Gondola is running, it is a short walk from Blackcomb Base II to the venue. Exit the gondola at the first stop, walk straight across the ski slope, and straight through parking lot 7, which is located directly in front of you (level with the gondola). Turn left (uphill) on Glacier Lane. You will see our venue as you reach the crest of the hill, on the right hand side of the road. You may ride the Excalibur Gondola without the purchase of a lift ticket as long as you do not have ski or snowboard gear with you. Please check Whistler Blackcomb's website for their lift status as they can close unexpectedly.

Public Transit: Take public transit via the WAVE bus system to Staff Housing - Route 7. The Whistler Silding Centre is just a short walk up the hill (across from Parking Lot 8).